MORE than 38,000 volunteers have pledged to take part in a Scotland-wide blitz against litter.

The army of volunteers is double the number who cleaned up 100 tonnes of litter in a similar operation last year.

The blitz, called the National Spring Clean, was launched yesterday by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead.

"Scots clearly see the environment as an increasingly important issue and take pride in their communities," he said.

"Scotland's natural environment is worth around £17billion to our economy and the cost to our local authorities for street cleansing alone is now over £100million a year. Litter is a problem which cannot be ignored."

The Scottish Government has provided funding of £115,000 to raise the profile of the campaign, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful.